AU672819B2 - Line tapping and clamping assembly for refrigeration systems - Google Patents

Description

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OPI DATE 12/04/94 APPLN. ID 49302/93 I 11111111111llllll 11111111l AOJP DATE 07/07/94 PCT NUMBER PCT/US93/08879 11111 AU9349302 (51) International Patent Classification 5 International Publication Number: WO 94/07069 F16K 43/00, F16L 41/06 Al (43) International Publication Date: 31 March 1994 (31.03.94) (21) International Application Number: PCT/US93/08879 (81) Designated States: AU, BR, CA, JP, KR, European patent (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, (22) International Filing Date: 20 September 1993 (20.09.93) MC, NL, PT, SE).

Priority data: Published 07/948,037 21 September 1992 (21.09.92) US With international search report.

Before the expiration of the tine limit for amending the claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt of (71) Applicant: INSTANT PIERCE, INC. [US/US]; 17001 Ipa- amendments.

va Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044 (US).

(72) Inventors: ZEIEN, Terry 18867 Orchard Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044 RAHN, Richard 17001 Ipava Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044 (US).

(74) Agent: MERSEREAU, Haugen and Nikolai, 820 International Centre, 900 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55402 (US).

(54)Title: LINE TAPPING AND CLAMPING ASSEMBLY FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS (57) Abstract A line tapping and clamping assembly (10) for a refrigeration pipeline The assembly (10) comprises a main shaft (12), an outer shaft a threaded disk member (16) and an adjustable handle The main shaft (12) has a first perpendicular clamp arm (20) permanently attached to one end and a threaded portion (22) at the other end. The outer tubular shaft (14) has a second perpend lar clamp arm (24) permanently attached to one end and having a hollow piercing needle (28) attached thereto.

The outer tubular ;haft (14) slidably fits over the main shaft (12) so that the first clamp arm (20) and the second clamp arm (24) can move relative to one anoth rotating the threaded disk member (16) for piercing the pipeline I 41- WO 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 -1- LINE TAPPING AND CLAMPING ASSEMBLY FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to line tapping and clamping devices and more particularly to a line tapping and clamping device for piercing a line of a refrigeration system to alter the level of the coolant contained therein.

II. Discussion of the Prior Art A combination line tapping and clamping device must be small and flexible to be used in the confined areas found in modern, compact refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The tapping and clamping device taps the main line and tightly clamps a branch to the main line so high pressure fluid can be siphoned off or added without leakage. The clamping devices and the pipe tapping device discussed below are not designed for simultaneously piercing a main pipe and clamping a branch tap to the main pipe. The devices are also not designed to be used in the confined quarters commonly found in modern refrigeration systems.

Simple clamping devices for coupling a branch pipe onto a main pipe are well known in the prior art. These clamps are variations on a C-clamp having one arm fitting around the outside of a main pipe or tube and a second arm providing a seal and hole that aligns with a predetermined hole in the main pipe. Examples of this type of clamp can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 444,235, 915,230 and 4,157,195. In each of these patents, the hole extending through the wall of the main pipe must be present before the clamp is used to connect a branch tap to the main pipe.

No element for piercing the wall of the main pipe is present.

A simple pipe tapping device, described in United States Patent No. 2,392,059, issued to O'Neil, discloses a C-clamp shaped device wherein the pipe to be tapped is cradled in one arm of the C-clamp and a threaded shaft,

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Ci rL h ii: -i 1_ WO 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 -2having a bit at one end is threaded through the other arm.

The threaded shaft is rotated to screw the bit through the pipe. The focus of the '059 patent is on the ability of the device to tap the pipe and direct the fluid or gas flow down, in a controlled manner. Once the hole is made through the pipe and the bit is removed, the fluid or gas contained ther i- _ree to flow out of the pipe through the hole. The device in the '059 patent is not designed to clamp a branch tap to the main pipe and guide the fluid or gas in the pipe through a hose or branch tap. The bit is solid and does not permit fluid or gas to flow through it.

The device described in the '059 patent also does not have an adjustable handle for manipulating the pipe tapping device in a confined area.

Designs incorporating the ability to both clamp a pipe and pierce the pipe are disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 3,115,889, 3,547,144 and 3,648,725. Each of these patents disclose a clamp for securely clamping a valve to a section of conduit or pipe. Incorporated into each clamp and valve assembly is a needle or tapered hollow tube that can be forced through the wall of the pipe being clamped.

Wrenches and screw drivers are used to securely fasten the clamps to the main pipe and to force the needle through the pipe. The problem with temporarily using these devices on a refrigeration system is apparent from the means used for clamping the device to the main pipe and the means used for forcing the needle or tapered hollow tube through the wall of the pipe. The permanent nature of the fixtures once they are attached and the inability of the devices to be easily installed in a confined area make them cumbersome to use.

To overcome the problems associated with working on a refrigeration system, vice grips type devices have been developed. Using these devices, shown in United States Patent Nos. 3,395,724 and 3,698,419, the pipe is pierced either as the vice grips is closed or by squeezing a third handle having a bit. One problem with these is the WO 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 94/706 -3inability to adjust the vice grips handles in relation to the direction of the pipe. In a conf ined area it is possible that the pipe will be in such a position that the handles of the vice grips will not allow the jaws to be 5 securely clamped around the pipe. Also, the vice grips jaws can only be opened a limited amount and if a very thick wall is encountered the force that can be applied on the jaws of the vice grips is limited to the lever arm of the vice grips handles and the ability to get one or both hands into the confined area.

United States Patent No. 4,342,338, issued to Glennie, discloses a sealing boot for repairing a Oruptured main and an applic ation tool for applying the *boot to the ruptured main. The application tool comprises upper and lower clamp jaws attached to upper grpand lower stems, a crank with a handle grpanda threaded shaft. The jaws extend perpendicularly from their respective stems and lie in face to face relation 20 with one another. The jaws are maintained in such relation by the square shape of the lower stem slidably inserted into the square shaped bottom of the upper stem.

The threaded shaf t is mated through the threaded inner core of the top portion of the upper stem to the top end of the lower stem. The crank and hand grip are rotatably connected to the top end of the threaded shaf t. In operation, the operator grips a handle and rotates the crank. As the crank is rotated, the lower stem is moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the upper stem so that the upper and lower jaws are opened or closed. The device described in the '338 patent does not have an adjustable handle that allows the device to be used in a I confined area or a piercing element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In light of the above mentioned short comings with prior art devices, the invention proposes to provide an improved line tapping and clamping device.

The improved line tapping and clamping device is to z- be suited for use on modern refrigeration and air P23760A/1 4.08.96 ITERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Itetmational application No.

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conditioning systems.

To improve upon the prior art devices, the present invention provides in a broad aspect an adjustable handle and a rotatable threaded disk clamping member. This enables the present invention to be used in a confined area while still being able to apply large amounts of force to the piercing element by manipulating the threaded disk member. A clamping member in accordance with the present invention incorporates a slidable outer tubular shaft that allows the clamp arms to be easily slid around a wide range of pipe sizes. The clamp can be scaled larger or smaller to fit various sized pipes or lines.

From the analysis of the prior art, it can be seen 15 that the above listed references, individually and as a whole, do not disclose a clamping assembly for piercing and clamping a line of a refrigeration system wherein the clamping assembly has a threaded clamping member for applying large amounts of force to the piercing element, 20 a slidable tube member for easily inserting the device around the pipe to be tapped, or an adjustable handle for manipulating the device in a confined area.

Accordingly, the present invention provides in a first aspect thereof a line tapping and clamping device 25 for piercing a line of a refrigeration system. The device uses a central steel main shaft having threads at one end and a clamp arm with a transverse groove at the other end. A tubular outer shaft having a second clamp arm slidably fits over the main shaft. The second clamp arm is in close face-to-face relation with the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm has a hollow tubular needle attached to it and extending into the transverse groove of the first clamp arm. A threaded disk member is rotatably connected to the threads of the main shaft. By rotating the disk member in one direction the tubular outer shaft and second clamp arm are forced toward the first clamp arm. This pierces and clamps a line situated in the transverse groove of the first clamp arm. To I I

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1760A/1 4.08.96 release the clamp the disk member is rotated in the opposite direction.

An adjustable handle capable of being slidably rotated on the outer tubular member is slidably fit over the outer tube. A threaded shaft extending through a threaded hole in the adjustable handle is rotated to secure the handle in a fixed position. Thus, the problems of grasping a variety of line sizes and applying enough force to pierce the line are overcome by the present invention.

The present invention further provides in a second I aspect a line tapping and clamping assembly having a main shaft with a first clamp arm permanently attached to one r" end and threads at the other end. The first clamp arm extends perpendicular to the main shaft and has a :i transverse V-groove into which the line to be pierced is situated. When the line is situated in the transverse groove, it lies perpendicular to the main shaft and the first clamp arm. A tubular outer shaft having a second 20 clamp arm permanently attached to one end, slidably f.ts over the main shaft so the clamp arms are in close faceto-face relation with one another. A hollow tubular needle extends through the second clamp arm parallel to :the main shaft and the outer tubular shaft. The tubular 25 needle faces the transverse groove of the first clamp arm and has a threaded portion above the second clamp arm to which a hose can be attached for directing the gas or fluid away from the tapped line. The outer tubular shaft is prevented from rotating on the main shaft by a tab on the inside of the outer tubular shaft slidably fit into a ,slot formed in the main shaft. This maintains the first and second clamp arms in face-to-face relation with one another. The threads of the main shaft protrude from the outer tubular shaft and a threaded disk member is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The threaded disk member has one portion with a diameter large enough to be grasped and turned by hand and a second smaller portion z% with a diameter equal to the outside diameter of the S P'23760A/14.08.96 ,r Stii--s T 1 t 6 outer tubular shaft. The second smaller portion extends from the large diameter portion to contact the top of the outer tubular shaft. Thus, when the disk member is rotated in one direction the outer tubular shaft and second clamp arm are forced toward the first clamp arm and a line or pipe situated in the transverse groove of the first clamp arm is pierced and clamped in place. To make the threaded disk member easier to turn when it is being rotated to force the tubular needle through the pipe wall, a recessed. thrust bearing may be added to the second smaller portion. The thrust bearing is situated in the second smaller portion to contact the outer tubular shaf t and act as a bearing between the threaded disk member and the outer tubular shaf t. An adjustable handle is provided to allow the device to be usedf in a 000conf ined area. The adutbehandle cmrssa clm member having a first hole large enough to slide over the tubular shaf t and a second hole perpendicular to the f irst hole and threaded. A threaded shaft having a knob at one end is rotated into the second threaded hole of the clamp member. By rotating the knob and threaded shatthe adjustable handle is clamped into place on the outer tubular shaft.

In oprton h device ismanipulated inothe confined area of a refrigeration system by turning the adjustable handle knob counterclockwise to loosen the adjustable handle. The adjustable handle is manoeuvred on the outer tubular shaft until it is believed that with the handle adjusted' as it is, the transverse groove of the first clamp arm can be situated onto the pipe to be tapped. When the adjustable handle is properly situated, both longitudinally and rotatably on the outer tubular member, the knob of the handle is rotated to secure the handle. in place. The first and second clamp arms are then situated around the pipe to be tapped and with one hand the threaded disk member is rotated to secure the clamp around the line. The threaded disk member is RA4,,torqued to force the hollow tubular needle through the P23760A/1 4.08.96 7 7 wall of the line being tapped and to snugly clamp the needle into the line. In this manner, fluid or gas can be supplied to or removed from a refrigeration system.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the ensuing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given by way of example with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1 Figure 1 is a side elevation of the line tapping and clamping assembly with a portion of the threaded disk I member shown in a vertical section and hidden portions shown with dotted lines; j Figure 2 is a back side elevation taken :j 15 substantially along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the .slot, tab and hidden portion of the main shaft in dotted lines, excluding the adjustable handle and threaded disk member; Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 1 showing the components of the adjustable handle, and the main shaft slidably fit into the outer tubular shaft which is slidably fit through the hole of the adjustable handle; and S Figure 4 is a side elevation of the line tapping and 25 clamping assembly essentially the same as Figure 1 but showing the assembly piercing and clamping a refrigeration line, shown in cross-section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Indicated generally in Figure 1 is a line tapping and clamping assembly 10 designed for tapping the lines of a refrigeration or air conditioning system to alter the level of fluid or gas contained therein. The clamping assembly 10 comprises a main shaft 12, an outer w tubular shaft 14, a threaded disk member 16 and an adjustable handle, indicated generally by the numeral 18.

The main shaft 12 has a first clamp arm 20 permanently welded, or attached with similar means, to one end and a S threaded portion 22 at the other iI d 3760A/14.08.96 'It I Vt 7 W 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 -8end. The outer tubular shaft 14 has a second clamp arm 24 permanently welded, or attached with similar means, to one end and an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the main shaft 12. The outer tubular shaft 14 slidably fits over the main shaft 12, including the threaded portion 22, so the first clamp arm 20 and the i second clamp arm 24 are in close face-to-face relation with one another. The threaded portion 22 of the main shaft 12 protrudes out of the end of the outer tubular shaft 14, opposite the two clamp arms 20 and 24. The threaded disk 1 member 16 is rotatably connected to the threaded portion 22 of the main shaft 12. By turning the threaded disk member 16 clockwise, the disk member 16 comes into contact with the outer tubular shaft 14 and forces the second clamp arm 24 toward the first clamp arm 20. As described below, this pierces and clamps the refrigeration system line caught between the clamp arms 20 and 24. The adjustable handle 1 18, described in detail below, can slide and rotate on the outer tubular shaft 14 before being temporarily secured to the outer tubular shaft 14. In general, the main shaft 12, the outer tubular shaft: 14, the two clamp arms 20 and 24, the threaded disk member 16 and the adjustable handle 18 are made out of steel.

A transverse V-groove 26 is provided in the first clamp arm 20 for cradling the refrigeration system line.

A pipe or line lying in the V-groove 26 is perpendicular to the main shaft 12 and the first clamp arm 20. The second clamp arm 24, attached to the outer tubular shaft 14, has a threaded hole through it whose axis is parallel to both the main shaft 12 and the outer tubular shaft 14. A hollow tubular needle 28 is threaded through the hole in the second clamp arm 24. The hollow tubular needle 28 has a tapered needle point 30 that protrudes out of the second clamp arm 24 and faces the V-groove 26 in the first clamp arm 20. The hollow tubular needle 28 has a small diameter portion 32 which is threaded through the second clamp arm i| 24 and a larger diameter portion 34 which does not extend i WO 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 -9into the second clamp arm 24. The larger diameter portion 34 has threads on it to accommodate a hose for fluid or gas to pass through. The first clamp arm 20 and the second clamp arm 24 are held in face-to-face relation with one another.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main shaft 12 has a slot 40 that a tab 42, welded or attached in a similar manner to the inside of the outer tubular shaft 14, slidably fits into. The tab 42 and slot 40 prevent the outer tubular shaft 14 from rotating on the main shaft 12. This maintains the hollow tubular needle 28 in face to face relation with the V-groove 26 in the first clamp arm Thus, when a refrigeration system line is placed in the Vgroove 26 and force is applied to the outer tubular shaft 14 by rotating the threaded disk member 16, the tapered needle point 30 pierces the wall of the line. The line is then clamped between the first clamp arm 20 and the second clamp arm 24- The threaded disk member 16 is a solid piece of steel or similar material having a large diameter portion 44 and a smaller diameter portion 46. The large diameter portion 44 and the small diameter portion 46 have a common threaded hole running through the middle of each. The threads in the hole match the threads on the threaded portion 22 so the disk member 16 can be rotatably connected to the threaded portion 22 of the main shaft 12. The threaded disk member 16 is rotated onto the main shaft 12 so the smaller diameter portion 46 comes into contact with the outer tubular shaft 14. The smaller diameter portion 46 I and the outer tubular shaft 14 have essentially equal outside diameters. The larger diameter portion 44 is large enough to be easily gripped and turned by hand and, as shown in Figure 1, the larger diameter portion 44 has a hollowed out inner diameter defined by disk wall 48.

Rotating the disk member 16 clockwise, as viewed from the hollow side, threads the disk member 16 onto the main shaft 12 and pushes the outer tubular shaft 14 and second clamp

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WO 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 arm 24 toward the first clamp arm 20. Rotating the disk member 16 counterclockwise, as vi .'ed from the hollow side, threads the disk member 16 off of the main shaft 12 and allows the outer tubular shaft 14 to be slid away from the first clamp arm 20. In this manner, the line to be tapped can be pierced, clamped and subsequently released.

To make the threaded disk member 16 easier to turn when it is being rotated to pierce and clr-'p line, a recessed thrust bearing 72, Figure 4, is added to the smaller diameter portion 46. The thrust bearing 72 is situated in the smaller diameter portion 46 and contacts the outer tubular shaft 14. The thrust bearing 72 acts as a bearing between the threaded disk member 16 and the outer tubular shaft 14.

The adjustable handle 18 allows the line tapping and 4 clamping asseznbly 10 to be manipulated and used in the very confined areas found in modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems. As shown in Figure 3, the adjustable handle 18 comprises a circular clamp 50, a threaded aft 52 and a knob 54 rotatably connected to the threaded shaft 52. The knob 54 is preferably made from a hard plastic, wood or a similar material. The circular clamp 50 is cylindrical in shape having two flat ends. The claip has a large hole 60 to one side of its central axis and extending from one end of the clamp 50 to the other end.

The diameter of the large hole 60 is greater than the outside diameter of the outer tubular shaft 14 so the circular clamp 50 can slidably fit over the outer tubular shaft 14. The threaded shaft 52 is threaded into a threaded hole 62 in the clamp 50. The threaded hole 62 extends from the outside of the circular clamp 50 to the large hole 60. The threaded hole 62 is perpendicular to the large hole 60. By rotating the knob 54 attached to the threaded shaft 52 in a clockwise direction, as seen 2rom the side of the knob opposite the shaft 52, the threaded shaft 52 is turned into the threaded hole 62 and the circular clamp 50. Rotating the knob 54 and shaft 52 intc Si i 1 1 :I 1 L~ i I-'i:i 'i WO 94/07069 PCT/US93/08879 S-11the threaded hole 62 causes the threaded shaft 52 to come into contact with the outer tubular shaft 14. This securely fastens the adjustable handle 18 to .the outer tubular shaft 14. With the adjustable handle 18 securely fastened to the outer tubular shaft 14 the clamping assembly 10 can be manipulated onto a line in a refrigeration system.

As shown in Figure 4, when a line 70 is sit" 3 in the V-groove 26 of the first clamp arm 20 and the disk member 16 is rotated onto the main shaft 12, tubular shaft 14 is forced toward the first clamp and the tapered needle point 30 pierces the line 70. To "S seal the connection made between the line 70 and the hollow tubular needle 28, a rubber washer, available at any 15 hardware store, may be situated around the needle point .Fluid or gas is added or removed through the hollow tubular needle 28 and an external hose (not shown). The adjustable handle 18 will move with the outer tubular shaft 14 if securely attached to the outer tubular shaft 14. If this 20 is not desired, the knob 54 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to release the adjustable handle 18 from the outer tubular shaft 14 and allow the adjustable handle 18 to freely slide and rotate on the outer tubular "g I: shaft 14.

25 This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out by specifically different equipment and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.

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Claims (16)

1. A self-contained piercing apparatus comprising: an inner shaft having an upper portion, a lower portion and a first clamping arm carried on the lower portion; a hollow outer shaft slidably fitted over a portion of the inner shaft and carrying a second clamping arm thereon, the first and second clamping arms being I arranged to be brought in alignment by relative movement of the inner shaft with respect to the outer shaft; piercing means including a hollow piercing member having an end with a piercing point for piercing a line supported by one of the first and second clamping arms, the piercing member being attached to the other one of the first and second arms with the piercing point facing in the direction of the first mentioned one of the clamping arms; and threaded actuating means arranged for urging the first and second clamping arms together as they move relative to each other, the actuating means including 4 means for rotating the threaded actuating means to cause the piercing means to move in a direction such as to pierce the line. .4 S 4

2. A piercing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the piercing m'-ins include integral connection means for i exteriiclly connecting a pierced line. j

3. A piercing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the piercing means further comprise sealing means to prevent leakage from the tapped hole other than through the connection means.

4. A piercing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising alignment means for maintaining the RA, first and second clamping arms aligned as they move towards one another.

P23760A/14.08.96 A l l i p.- 13 A piercing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the alignment means comprise a slot on the inner shaft extending from the upper portion toward the first clamping arm, and a tab on the inside of the hollow outer shaft, the tab being slidably inserted into the slot of the inner shaft.

6. A piercing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an infinitely adjustable handle attached to the hollow oater shaft and arranged for moving and holding the apparatus.

7. A piercing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner shaft consists of a single member. i

8. An apparatus for piercing and clamping a line, 15 comprising: an inner shaft having a first threaded end and a second end carrying a first clamping arm; a hollow outer shaft slidably fitted over a portion .:of the inner shaft and carrying a second clamping arm thereon, the first and second clamping arms arranged to be brought in alignment with one another by relative a L" movement of the inner and outer shafts; a hollow piercing member having an end with a piercing point for piercing a line supported by the 25 first clamping arm, the piercing member being carried by tic 25 the second clamping arm with the piercing point facing in the direction of the first clamping arm and the line; and actuating means, including a threaded member rotatably connected to the threaded end of the inner shaft, the actuating means arranged for urging the first and second clamping arms together to move the piercing member to pierce the line. K -o 7*r 06 P23760A/14.08.96 o I 2.4 14

9. A piercing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising alignment means for maintaining the first and second clamping arms aligned.

A piercing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the alignment means comprise a slot extending from the first threaded end toward the second end of the inner shaft and a tab attached on the inside of the hollow outer shaft such as to be slidably received in the slot of the inner shaft.

11. A piercing apparatus according to claim 8, 9 or further comprising an axially and radially adjustable handle arranged to be carried on the outer shaft for moving and holding the apparatus.

12. A piercing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 15 to 11, wherein the piercing member includes an integral i connector for connecting a line to the pierced line.

13. A piercing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first clamping arm has a flat side with a V-shaped groove therein, and wherein the second clamping arm has a 20 threaded receiving hole in which the piercing member is secured to extend with the piercing point directed toward Sthe groove and the connector protruding from an opposite side of the second clamping arm.

14. A piercing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the integral connector comprises an externally threaded section of the piercing member arranged to threadably connect a hose for fluid or gas. k piercing apparatus according to claim 12, 13 or wherein the piercing member further comprises a seal arranged to prevent leakage from the tapped hole other than through the connector.

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16. A piercing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DATED this 15th day of August 1996 INSTANT PIERCE, INC By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK CO *4~*a *08a a. S 0 a. a S P23760A/1 4.08.96